Reflection

Reflection

Mitzi Jonelle Tan, a climate activist from the Philippines, was an instant inspiration for this piece. I have always been passionate about exerting the power of our voices, and she does just that. While I traditionally use a stretched canvas, I wanted to push myself to use more unconventional materials in an effort to reduce waste. As an artist who uses many mediums, including sewing, I painted this piece on an old cutting mat I no longer use. This is one of many steps I plan to take to personally help the fight against climate change. I’ve always been drawn to art as it is the perfect outlet for emotions and thoughts. In the process of creating this particular piece, many emotions were drawn out. It was a challenge to get past the overwhelming negative effects of climate change. I learned a lot about the extreme weather and catastrophic typhoons in the Philippines. Eventually I was able to reach a place of hope, seeing the support YACAP—an organization Mitzi is a part of—was able to provide for the people. Reading and researching the work of Mitzi Jonelle Tan gave me a restored faith in our world. With all this being said, the one message I give to the viewers of my art is “Underestimating is an infection of your mind.”